History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Çeçe Sultan Tomb is the eternal resting place of His Holiness Seyyid Muhammed Çeçe Sultan, the spiritual conqueror of the Sinop and Gerze region and one of the blessed pioneers of the Islamization process. Çeçe Sultan, who came to the region with the tradition of Khorasan saints during the 13th century Anatolian Seljuk period and established his lodge, instilled justice, cooperation and tolerance in the local people. The Seljuk Thuluth font and stone workmanship on the inscription of the tomb testify to the deep-rooted history of the building. Tens of thousands of people from surrounding provinces and districts flock to the tomb on commemoration days held every year in May for centuries (especially on Hıdırellez days); Traditional kashk cakes cooked in giant cauldrons are distributed with blessings. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
It is located on the Yenikent plateau, southwest of Gerze, at an altitude of approximately 280 meters. It is on an extremely airy and peaceful hill surrounded by centuries-old oak, plane trees and green agricultural lands. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Free. It is a spiritual pilgrimage area open to the public.•Visiting Hours and Days:Open 7 days a week between 07:00 - 21:00; Special commemoration ceremonies are held every year on May 6, Hıdırellez.•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: Shoes are removed at the entrance to the shrine, and dress codes respectful of the spiritual space must be followed. The complex garden is flat and easily accessible for disabled and elderly visitors.•Facilities and Facilities:There is a masjid, ablution room, toilets, soup kitchen, rest shades and a large sacrifice/charity area around the tomb. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Yenikent (Çeçe) Köyü Mevkii, Gerze / Sinop.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: It is approximately 15 km away from Gerze town centre. It can be easily reached by all passenger vehicles via the completely asphalt village and town road.•Real Public Transportation Information: Yenikent village minibuses depart from Gerze district center; It can be reached in 15 minutes by private vehicle.•Parking Availability:There is a large free parking lot for 100 vehicles at the entrance of the tomb complex. Spiritual Visiting Etiquette and Commemoration Guidelines•Spiritual Visit and Prayer Etiquette: One should be present with dignity and decency in the presence of the Seljuk saint; The Holy Quran should be read and blessings should be made at the sarcophagus.•Documentary & Respectful Shooting:The Seljuk stone architecture of the tomb and the surrounding courtyard can be photographed in a respectful frame.•Important Commemoration Days:The traditional keskek hayri and mawlid-i sherif program held during the Hıdırellez week of May 6 is the most lively spiritual gathering of the region.•Local Spiritual Tradition:Visitors are offered Çeçe Sultan Keşkek and ayran, which are traditionally cooked in cauldrons.